Harnessing the microbiome to control plant parasitic weeds

Raul Masteling,Lorenzo Lombard,Wietse De Boer,Jos M Raaijmakers,Francisco Dini-Andreote

doi:10.1016/j.mib.2019.09.006

Abstract

Microbiomes can significantly expand the genomic potential of plants, contributing to nutrient acquisition, plant growth promotion and tolerance to (a)biotic stresses. Among biotic stressors, root parasitic weeds (RPWs), mainly of the genera Orobanche, Phelipanche and Striga, are major yield-limiting factors of a wide range of staple crops, particularly in developing countries. Here, we provide a conceptual synthesis of putative mechanisms by which soil and plant microbiomes could be harnessed to control RPWs. These mechanisms are partitioned in direct and indirect modes of action and discussed in the context of past and present studies on microbe-mediated suppression of RPWs. Specific emphasis is given to the large but yet unexplored potential of root-associated microorganisms to interfere with the chemical signalling cascade between the host plant and the RPWs. We further provide concepts and ideas for future research directions and prospective designs of novel control strategies.

Highlights

The economically most important root parasitic weeds (RPWs) belong to the family Orobanchaceae, encompassing the genera Orobanche,Striga and Phelipanche
We provide a conceptual framework to explore the yet-untapped potential of soil and root-associated microbes to interfere with the chemical signalling cascade and to induce physiological and phenotypic changes in the host plant to suppress RPWs
We argue that understanding the intricate eco-evolutionary, chemical and genetic mechanisms operating at the root-soil interface constitutes an essential step towards developing new integrated strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of RPWs on crop production

Summary

Introduction

The economically most important root parasitic weeds (RPWs) belong to the family Orobanchaceae, encompassing the genera Orobanche,Striga and Phelipanche These RPWs have a hidden but devastating effect on host plants as a large part of its life cycle occurs belowground. Microbe-mediated mechanisms and their most preferred timing to control RPWs are indicated along the dotted line In this opinion article, we provide a conceptual framework to explore the yet-untapped potential of soil and root-associated microbes to interfere with the chemical signalling cascade and to induce physiological and phenotypic changes in the host plant to suppress RPWs. We discuss direct and indirect modes of action in the ecological context of the tripartite interaction between host, parasite and microbiome. These include compounds inducing the germination of S. hermonthica, such as sphynolactone-7 [18], inhibiting a strigolactone receptor in S. hermonthica, such as soporidine [19] and simple b-lactones [20], or inhibiting receptors of www.sciencedirect.com

Induced systemic resistance

Parasite Pathogenic Microbes

Ejeta G

Findings

53. Musselman LJ